North Carolina Breaks Tourism Spending Record in 2024

News Summary

North Carolina has marked a record-breaking $698 million in tourism spending in 2024, creating approximately 4,800 new jobs. Fayetteville significantly contributed to this growth with effective marketing strategies leading to a 38% increase in advertising and a notable uptick in local tax revenue from tourists. The success of the ‘Distinctly Fayetteville’ campaign and other state efforts highlight the economic benefits of tourism, which collectively generated over $30 billion in revenue across North Carolina for the year.

North Carolina has achieved a significant milestone in the tourism sector in 2024, generating a record-breaking $698 million in tourism spending and creating approximately 4,800 new jobs. This surge in tourism can be attributed to the state’s effective marketing strategies and a remarkable 38% increase in advertising expenditures.

A notable contributor to this tourism boom is Fayetteville, North Carolina, which alone accounted for $698 million added to the local economy. Fayetteville’s efforts in promoting itself as a vital destination played a crucial role, with the city seeing a significant uptick in tourist visits. This influx yielded $140.03 in local tax savings per resident while generating $47.32 million in tax revenue from visitors, showcasing the economic benefits of increased tourism.

The success of the “Distinctly Fayetteville” marketing campaign significantly enhanced the city’s visibility, achieving a 211% increase in social media engagement and earning recognition in the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program. Additionally, Fayetteville launched the “Can Do Tourism Academy”, a training initiative aimed at equipping service workers with the skills to provide outstanding visitor experiences.

Overall, North Carolina is home to a diverse array of attractions, with major urban centers like Charlotte and Raleigh contributing substantially to the tourism revenue. Charlotte attracted an impressive $6.4 billion, while Raleigh brought in $3.5 billion. The collective impact of tourism in North Carolina culminated in over $30 billion in statewide revenue for the year 2024.

The positive trend in tourism is not unique to North Carolina. Other states have also reported significant growth. Texas, for instance, recorded a record $97.5 billion in visitor spending with an overall economic impact of approximately $171.6 billion. The tourism sector there supported around 4,000 new jobs in 2024, bolstering the state’s attractiveness for both domestic and international travelers.

Michigan experienced over $26 billion in visitor spending, supporting 235,000 jobs across the tourism sector. Likewise, Illinois generated $46 billion in tourism revenue, with the city of Chicago alone attracting more than $10 billion. New York welcomed more than 64 million tourists in 2024, contributing over $51 billion to the economy. Meanwhile, Arizona recorded over $25 billion in tourism revenue and created more than 250,000 jobs within the sector.

All states benefited from a coordinated focus on promoting unique attractions, cultural experiences, and sustainable tourism strategies. This boom in tourism is expected to yield lasting economic benefits, enhancing community engagement and fostering further growth in the coming years. The upward trend in tourism spending across the country illustrates the potential of the travel sector as a powerful driver of economic development.

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STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
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